Two People Dead After Accident On Pickathon Festival Grounds

Happy Valley, Ore. — The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office says two men were killed after the boom-lift they were in fell approximately 40-feet.

The accident happened at Pendarvis Farm in Happy Valley. The two arborists were helping take down shades that were strung over the grounds at the Pickathon music festival.

Deputies say the accident happened about 4:30 p.m. Thursday. The two men were private contractors.

Witnesses say the two had been ascending in a boom lift before climbing further up trees to get to ropes holding up the complex shade installation.  They were wearing safety equipment and were roped to the boom lift, which was reportedly positioned on an incline.

The two were about 40-feet in the air when the boom lift tilted and fell.  The arborists, still roped to the boom, were pulled to the ground with considerable force.  CPR was performed but was unsuccessful.

OSHA investigators are investigating the accident.

Pickathon organizers released a written statement regarding the incident.

We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic loss of two members of the GuildWorks crew during breakdown of this year’s festival. Please join us in offering up prayers and support to their families and friends during this difficult time. All involved in Pickathon are like members of a family to us. We will wrap our collective arms around all affected and share in the grieving process. Please stay connected to Pickathon as we work to provide support to the families.